One of everyone’s favorite fantasy draft season topics is potential running back breakouts and this season is no different. The off season has already been filled with hype for Christian McCaffrey sans Jonathan Stewart, Alex Collins behind an improved Ravens O-Line and Kenyan Drake as a potential feature back after his strong finish to 2017 but the backs listed below all have the potential to finish and open the 2019 season as RB1’s.
Kerryon Johnson – Kerryon Johnson is the most talented running back the Lions have had since Jahvid Best and is poised to make a serious fantasy impact as a rookie. Johnson’s current ADP reflects owners weariness of a possible RBBC with LeGarrette Blount and Theo Riddick without appreciating the draft capital surrendered so the Lions could move up and select the back that they wanted. Johnson is a special talent who would be in the RB1 conversation if not for his two backfield mates promising to vulture carries and targets but he still possesses RB2 upside based on his feature back ability and potential in the Lions offense. Johnson will lead the Lions backfield in carries and rushing yards and it would be somewhat of an upset if he fails to crack the 1,000 yard barrier as a rookie. Scoop up Johnson where possible and reap the rewards.
Sony Michel – Fantasy owners seem to be sleeping on the Patriots first round running back. Do so at your own peril. The last time Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots drafted a running back in the first round was in 2006 when they selected Laurence Maroney; this should tell you all you need to know about how the Bill feels about Michel. Michel despite being lauded as a receiving back tips the scales at over 220 lbs possesses plus vision and a burgeoning mean streak. Michel boasts an every down skill set and only needed to land in the right system to realize his NFL potential and he found just that in Belichick and Josh McDaniels. Roster Michel as a mega upside RB2 especially at his RB3 price tag.
Royce Freeman – Royce Freeman has the makings of an elite fantasy back. Freeman is punishing downhill runner with elite lateral quicks and if he can prove stout in pass pro we are looking at a workhorse. Freeman has sky high upside and only needs to develop a mean streak a la David Johnson to realize his NFL ceiling. Freeman is an RB2 with weekly RB1 upside especially in a wide open offense that will likely need to lean on the run and with little backfield competition for him to deal with. The Broncos defense remains one of the top in the NFL and and despite trepidation over Case Keenum’s ability to survive, never mind thrive outside of Minnesota and Pat Shurmur’s offense Freeman should spend plenty of late games in clock killing mode. The Broncos have a relatively easy schedule on paper especially when one considers the current state of their division rivals in the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. Click Draft Royce Freeman without hesitation as an RB2 in your upcoming drafts.
Rashaad Penny – Rashaad Penny seems to have lost a little luster over the last week after he suffered an injury that threatened to keep him out beyond week one. Penny is now practicing and may even play in the Seahawks finale as he still desires to master the playbook. Penny is a much much better bet than Chris Carson this season and at his new discounted price anyone who has the opportunity and is deciding between him and another similarly ranked prospect is suggested to take the plunge. Penny’s tape elucidated visions of a younger, quicker Carlos Hyde. Penny boasts plus vision, patience and cutback ability and when you combine that with his solid receiving ability we are looking at a back with an every down skillset. There is a reason the Seahawks shocked the world and took Penny in the first round; don’t let a rival owner remind you of why.
Dalvin Cook – Dalvin Cook is another running back who appears set for a breakout. Cook was on fire before going down in week four of his rookie season and is in line to handle feature duties once again for a strong Minnesota Vikings team. Cook averaged a stellar 88.5 rushing yards per game he played last season and is a safe RB1 with top-5 upside. Unlike the other names on this list Cook has already proved to be elite at the NFL level and possesses an RB2 floor. Draft Cook with confidence in round two as your top running back.
Joe Mixon – Joe Mixon is a back who disappointed many fantasy owners in 2017 leading him to become one of fantasy biggest early round values. Currently going off the board at the end of the second round as the 14th running back taken Mixon much like Cook is an RB1 with top-5 running back potential. The Bengals spent the offseason retooling their offensive line and with a full offseason in Bill Lazor’s system Mixon is finally ready to deliver on his elite potential. Steal Mixon with confidence at the end of the second.
